Our HistorySt. Paul Lutheran Church, Caledonia, MI had its beginning when a meeting of ‘St. Paul’ elected elders, a secretary and a leader for services came together on January 5, 1869. It wasn’t until 1878 that St. Paul called and installed its first official pastor. Rev. H. Juengel, a graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri served as the first resident pastor. Various pastors conducted the services from the opening in 1869 until Pastor Juengel arrived. The worship services from the onset were held in an abandoned log school house which was purchased two years prior to the date of organization and used until 1877. The congregation affiliated with the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other states which currently is identified as The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. It has headquarters in Kirkwood, Missouri.
Several ministers have served St. Paul Lutheran Church including Rev. J. Schliepsiek (1883-1889), Rev. Paulus Heid (1889-1991), Rev. F. Schriefer (1901-1912), Rev. A. W. Hueschen (1913-1923), Rev. O. Ninke (1924), Rev. A. P. Marutz (1924-1960), Rev. R. Krueger (1960-1965), Rev. E. A. Schomberg (1965-1986), Rev. R. Gerke (1986-2013), Interim Pastor Gary Siefert (2013 - 2015) and currently, Rev. Timothy Brand (2015- ) and Assistant Pastor David L. Miller lll (2020- ).
Some interesting milestones include the first English services introduced in 1903 at one each month until German spoken services were totally discontinued in 1936. The ground breaking and cornerstone laying for the current church structure was held in 1953. The old structure was sold and moved to a site west of Middleville where it is still being used by a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. St. Paul Lutheran Church has celebrated over 100 years of active worship, service, and fellowship. We offer many opportunities to gather together for prayer, fellowship, study, service, and celebration. The music ministry includes a bell choir, a vocal choir and openings for special music. St. Paul’s youth outreach includes a Preschool, Kids’ Hope participants, Youth Group, VBS and an annual Christmas Program. In addition there is a breakfast club, morning & evening Bible studies, Sunday School & Bible Classes, food pantry, Ladies’ Aid, and a book discussion group. There are also a number of ways members can participate in church service groups such as tellers, greeters, ushers, hostesses, altar guild and more. |
|
